Biochemistry

Study information
Key facts
Degree
Master of Science
Duration
4 Semesters
Credits/ECTS
120
Teaching language
English
Tuition fee
None
Semester contribution
€ 272,65
Start of studies
Winter semester
Part-time possible
Yes
Institution
Faculty of Biological Sciences
Application & Deadlines

Programme summary

Building on their existing knowledge of biochemistry and molecular biology, students in the M.Sc. Biochemistry programme will learn to apply methodical approaches to the analysis of biomolecules and cellular functions on molecular levels. Focus will be placed on concepts and methods from the fields of bioinformatics, biophysics, chemistry, molecular biology, and cell biology.

Special features

Students may choose three of the following modules: Biological Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biophysics and Theoretical Biology, Molecular Biology, and Cell Biology. In addition, the M. Sc. Biochemistry offers a great deal of practical work and independent projects. This gives students the chance to design and conduct scientific research as well as to document and present their results orally and in writing (particularly in English).

Career opportunities

Graduates of this programme will have acquired the field-specific academic techniques as well as the communication skills necessary to present the results of scientific research to the public. They may also gain international experience by spending one semester abroad. The master's programme qualifies students for work in academe and allows them to pursue a Ph.D. in the areas of biochemistry, biotechnology, molecular biology, molecular genetics, natural material chemistry, structural biology, and cell biology either at the FSU or at other universities in Germany and abroad. Graduates are also well equipped for positions in related industries, especially biotechnology, and administrative work.

Admission requirements

  • Undergraduate degree or equivalent

    For this master's programme you need a subject-specific undergraduate degree (minimum 6 semesters/180 ECTS-Credits) or an equivalent degree that contains knowledge in molecular disciplines (Biochemistry, Genetics, Cell Biology) of at least 60 credits (ECTS). 

    You must have obtained at least 120 credits by the time of applying.

    ​The overall grade (CGPA) of such a degree must be GOOD or better (German and US systems: 1.9). Candidates with final grades between 1.9 and 2.3 (German grading) who meet the general academic requirements, might be admitted when their application documents show a particular eligibility for the programme.

  • Language requirements

    This master's programme requires the following language proficiency:

    • good proficiency in English (a direct proof by certificate is not compulsory)

Application documents

  • CV

    Your CV should have a tabular form, containing key information on your school record and academic career.

  • Motivation letter

    A motivation letter should not exceed the size of two DIN A4-pages and normally, it should contain information on your motivation for taking up this course of studies. You should  elaborate on the following essential questions:

    • Why do you desire taking up this specific course of studies?
    • What are - in your opinion - the main features that this course of studies excels in?
    • Which features of this course have inspired your application? 
    • Why Jena?

     

  • University entrance qualification certificate

    Please upload at the online application system your university entrance certificate/school leaving certificate. Usually, this means the school graduation diploma (German "Abitur"), i.e. the diploma that makes you eligible for studies at an University or other institution for higher education. Be mindful of the fact that here, we do not need any University diploma but a High School diploma! 

  • Previous university degrees earned

    All previous University degrees (Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, etc.) if available before the application deadline - if not, please make a note of the anticipated date of issue of your degree certificate. Please upload your University degree or the most actual, detailed transcript of records/ mark sheet of all semesters available to you, should you not hold your degree certificate at the time of application. The main document is the degree/ transcript based on which you apply for the master programme.

  • Detailed transcript of records

    Detailed transcript of records/ mark sheet of your first, subject-specific University degree, with which you apply for the master's programme. This transcript MUST contain an overall cumulative grade point average or average mark.

  • Proof of relevant work experience

    Should you have obtained subject-specific work experience, you can upload corresponding certificates in order to support your application. 

  • Proof of subject-specific practical experience

    Should you have obtained subject-specific practical experience (e.g. by internships etc.), you can upload corresponding certificates in order to support your application. 

  • Proof of language proficiency

    Good English language skills are recommended, but a language certificate is not needed.

Additional application documents for international students

  • Translation of foreign/external application documents

    Every mandatory application document from foreign/external countries must also be available in either English OR German translation. Such a translation has to be conducted by officially acknowledged/ sworn translators or translation offices.

  • Proof of grading system

    External/foreign degree certificates/ transcripts of records must contain information on the grading system (= description of the maximum grade possible and the minimum passing grade) used at the respective University. 

  • Certificate APS

    Applicants with degrees from India, Vietnam or China must submit the original APS-certificate issued by the German Embassy.

  • University entrance exam

    Applicants from the following countries must submit a certificate of their university entrance examination/college entrance examination:

    • Iran (College entrance examination certificate or certificate of pre-university course/year)
    • Republic of Korea/South Korea: SAT (Scholastic Ability Test)
    • People's Republic of China: College entrance examination certificate ("Gaokao")
Subject Advisor - Prof. Dr. Berit Jungnickel
Student Representatives Biology/Biochemistry
Examinations Office of the Faculty of Biological Sciences
Master Service Centre

Office hours:
+++The Master Service Centre will be closed from 23.12.2024 to 03.01.2025. On 19 December, we will be available by telephone and for personal consultation for the last time this year. On 20.12. you can only contact us via ticket. We will be fully available for you again from 06.01.2025 onwards.+++

Telephone consultation:
Tuesday - Thursday
10 am - 11 am

Personal consultation:
Tuesday - Thursday
2 pm - 3 pm

Live chat:
mondays
10 am - 12 noon

Ticket enquiries via Service Desk at: www.uni-jena.de/service-msz

Postal address:
Friedrich Schiller University Jena
Master Service Centre (MSZ)
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena

Video chat: To the video chat – Zoom Videochat ZeitenTuesday - Thursday
3:15 pm - 4 pm
Password Master Data protection informationpdf, 101 kb